Firefighters are scaling back the operation to three fire engines, and are damping down the site and working with the owner to make the scene safe.

Incident Commander Jim Butters said: "Crews were faced with a significant blaze involving several explosions but worked effectively to bring it under control quickly and prevent it spreading to surrounding properties.

"It is likely that firefighters will remain at the scene throughout the night."

The waste plant is one of many run by national company Wastecare and the Stainland Road site is is one of 12 regional centres run by the firm. They collect and process waste from commercial and industrial firms.

The Stainland Road centre runs within yards of the Calder Valley rail line, linking Brighouse and Haifax, and many services have been halted. Northern Rail have warned passengers of disruptions and delays.